The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Reneau G. Breard (ASN: 0-477286), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 7 January 1945 near ****, Belgium. First Lieutenant Breard’s seventeen man rifle platoon had just reached its objective when it was fiercely attacked by a company of German panzer grenadiers. With one of his squads, First Lieutenant Breard immediately attacked frontally, temporarily halting the enemy. Dashing across an open field under heavy grazing fire, he then led thirteen men against the foe’s flank. With the enemy temporarily disorganized, First Lieutenant Breard then led the initial squad in another frontal attack, driving back the enemy which had penetrated up to 25 yards of his MLR. With the other squad, he then attacked the opposite flank whereupon the enemy withdrew in disorder. Throughout the initial action, First Lieutenant Breard, himself, fought as a rifleman and in the latter phases with a machine pistol which he took from a German he had killed. His under-strength platoon killed fifteen, wounded fourteen, and captured six of the enemy with the loss of only two men wounded. The courage, leadership, and sound judgment displayed by First Lieutenant Breard contributed directly to his platoon’s unusual accomplishment. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.